Please Note: Due to volume considerations, not all questions can be answered. Questions most likely to be answered will be those of general interest to a broad group of visitors to this forum. Questions pertaining to a specific case; requests for diagnosis, medical advice, or second opinion; or requests for opinions about untested alternative therapies will generally not be answered.
we have been told about someone who has "viral cancer", was wondering if there is such a thing. The person has been having chemotherapy.
Advertisement
Response from Dr. Dezube
There is indeed "viral cancers". Many cancers, particularly the ones, that HIV-infected patients get are caused or are tightly linked to viruses.
Just a few examples are as follows:
Kaposi's sarcoma is caused by the Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus, also known as human herpesvirus-8 (HHV8).
Cervical and anal cancer are caused by the human papillomavirus, also known as the wart virus.
Hepatoma, a form of liver cancer, can be caused by both the hepatitis B virus and the hepatitis C virus.
Many lymphomas and many forms of Hodgkin's disease can be caused by the Epstein-Barr Virus.
This list goes on and on. Although it can certainly make one paranoid, it's important to realize that all of us (i.e. every human being walking the face of this Earth) are exposed routinely to viruses. Such is the nature of life. In only a small proportion of the cases, will these viruses lead to cancer. More often, the immune system is able to prevent the viruses from doing their damage.
Want to read more questions and answers on this subject? Our experts have answered many similar questions!
Please remember that this forum is designed for educational purposes only, and experts are not engaged through this
forum in rendering legal or medical advice or professional services. Experts appearing on this page are independent and are solely responsible
for editing and fact-checking their material. Neither The Body nor any sponsor is the publisher or speaker of posted visitors' questions or the experts' material.
Questions and messages posted to this forum are not statements of advice, opinion, or information of The Body, Body Health Resources Corporation or any sponsor of this
forum. While neither The Body nor Body Health Resources Corporation regularly reviews posted content, we reserve the right to delete, move, or
edit postings if we deem it appropriate under the circumstances. Visitors submitting questions remain solely responsible for the content of their
messages.
Information provided by experts is general only and should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease, or relied upon as
legal or other professional advice. This information is not a substitute for professional advice or care. If you have or suspect you may have a
health or legal problem, you should consult your own health care provider or your attorney.
E-Mail
Glossary
Response from Dr. Dezube
